Support G.I. Joe Flashback on Kickstarter

G.I. Joe Flashback, an independent film about a key era in the lives of several future Joes, is now funding with under 30 days to go!

We all know the stories– the tale first recounted in Marvel Comics G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero #26— of a Vietnam LLRP team consisting of the men who would go on to become Stalker, Storm Shadow, and Snake Eyes.  However, do we know the stories that came before those events in which Tommy dropped everything to rescue his friend, cementing the bond between them?

Thanks to G.I. Joe Flashback we just might have the chance to learn more about the entire team– including Wade Collins, Ramon Escobedo, and Dickie Saperstein.

This is going to be more than just a “fan film”.  The folks behind G.I. Joe Flashback are bringing in some real talent to not just tell this story but to tell it right. The film is produced by cosplayer extrordinaire “Skinny“, and features a talented and passionate group of fans helping to bring it to light.  Names like Bill Nedrow and Paul Panfalone are no strangers to the fan community.  Every detail from the story to the score is being supervised with a true reverence to the source material. 

If you need any more encouragement, just check out Skinny’s recent interview on Just Another GI Joe Show below:

The deadline to show your support is Friday, November 16, 2018 at 5:18am CST.  Consider backing G.I. Joe: Flashback on Kickstarter today!

Introducing G.I. Joe Basic Training – a new series on YouTube

Looking to catch up on some G.I. Joe knowledge?  Check out G.I. Joe Basic Training!

g.i. joe basic trainingLet’s be honest– the G.I. Joe brand isn’t exactly a simple property for new fans to dive into.  In terms of A Real American Hero continuity you’ve got the original Marvel Comics series, followed by Devil’s Due Publishing (which was retconned away), and then IDW’s current titles.  In terms of animation there’s the classic Sunbow series, the DiC follow-up, Sgt. Savage, G.I. Joe: Extreme, Sigma 6, Resolute, and Renegades.  Let’s not forget the films in which Paramount pictures concocted a stew based on ingredients from many of the previous properties blended together with a healthy dose of creative license. All of this is just scratching the surface!

To new eyes, it can be a confusing mess of alternate versions of Ripcord and Snake Eyes, Baroness/Duke/Destro love triangles (thanks for that Rise of Cobra), and conflicting origins.  What’s a fan to do?

Enter “MacDowin”.  Long-time G.I. Joe fan and former YoJoe.com staffer, he’s taken on the task of producing short topical videos that shed some light on our favorite brand of “Real American Heroes.”  Focusing initially on the ARAH-side of things, the “G.I. Joe: Basic Training” series tackles a single aspect of the brand in a weekly video.

You can check out Episode 1: Continuity below!

I won’t lie– when MacDowin and I talked about this we discussed what a herculean undertaking this would be.  Where do you start?  Where do you end?  Does Ice Cream Soldier eventually get his own episode?

Thankfully, MacDowin was up to the task!  In fact, he’s current THREE episodes in with a fourth dropping soon. So, if you’re looking to catch up on your G.I. Joe facts or just want some Joe-related content in your YouTube feed, check out G.I. Joe: Basic Training!  If you like the episodes, hit the “subscribe” button so that you’ll never miss out on an single installment!

And now you know…

New G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set up for pre-order

Remember that new G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set featuring Dr. Biggles-Jones and Ninja Force Scarlett?

G.I. joe vs transformers 5-pack

If you’re on the edge of your seat waiting for this new G.I. Joe vs. Transformers set to see release wait no longer!  The G.I. Joe Collector’s Club has listed pre-orders for the next three exclusives in their ongoing Joe vs TF series.  However, be forewarned– the pricing on this set isn’t for the faint of heart.  In order to snag the big set, fans will have to shell out a cool $129.00!

Here’s what’s included:

Also up for pre-order are the two “Almost Human” figures– the synthoid body versions of Rodimus Prime and Arcee.  These tie in nicely with the Old Snake and Stealth BATs set released last year.  All three sets have an expected delivery date of “December 2016.”

Go get ’em while they’re hot!

Ryan Reynolds unveils Deadpool movie costume!

Holy Hannah!  Ryan Reynolds just revealed the Deadpool movie costume!

Look, I get it– this is a G.I. Joe site and Deadpool is a Marvel Comics character.  However, on occasion I like to share some of my other geeky interests be it Jonny Quest, James Bond, or, in this case, my obsession with the Merc with a Mouth.  (Just look at how many cameos he makes in reviews around here!)

Deadpool movie costume

This costume is SPOT ON!  Seriously– this is jsut what I had hoped for but didn’t dare dream was possible!  Full-on fanboy nerd meltdown right now!  Plus, in typical Deadpool fashion it was revealed in as irreverent a fashion as possible!

It’s far too long until the movie comes out but be sure to follow @DeadpoolMovie on Twitter to stay abreast of the latest Deadpool movie news!

Just in case you’ve forgotten, here’s the leaked test footage that was responsible for the movie FINALLY receiving a green light!

The ‘Poolman crashes into theaters on February 16, 2016!   What do YOU think of this costume reveal?

Guardians of the Galaxy Showings Start TONIGHT!

Guardians of the Galaxy

One of the advantages of owning your own website is you can talk about whatever you want.  So, in taking a break from G.I. Joe for a moment, I’m here to talk about the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Early screenings for the film start tonight and this particular admin cannot wait!  Seriously, 7:00pm CST is so incredibly far away right now!

For those of you who have been living in a cave and haven’t heard of the Guardians of the Galaxy, it’s the latest installment in the insanely awesome Marvel Cinematic Universe.  However, instead of focusing on Earth where the action has been dominated by the Avengers, director James Gunn is taking the audience out into space and is following the actions of Star Lord, a human from earth who has no idea what his place in the universe is.  However, with the help of a talking gun-toting raccoon, a brawling tree with a heart of gold, a maniac bent on revenge, and the deadliest assassin in the galaxy, he’s about to confront his destiny head-on, all while jamming out to some 1970’s AM rock-n-roll. C’mon, what’s NOT to love?  It’s like Farscape with the budget of Star Wars!

The film’s based on the incarnation of the team that formed up in 2008 and promises to be one heck of a ride.  In fact, over at RottenTomatoes.com, the film’s rating (at the time I’m writing this) is holding steady at 91% fresh.  (6 “rotten” reviews out of a total of 67 posted thus far.)

So, if you’re tired of reading about the current state of G.I. Joe and want to “get away from it all”, check out the Guardians of the Galaxy this weekend.  I know I will.  (Possibly multiple times!)

You’re welcome…

G.I. Joe #21 Silent Interlude Gets Animated

gi-joe-21-silent-issue-001

Yes, this isn’t exactly “breaking news”.  However, in light of IDW’s forthcoming 30th Anniversary Silent Interlude hardcover release I found this to be pretty relevant.

A number of years ago, Youtube user xgivanx sat down and “animated” the most famous issue of Larry Hama’s Marvel G.I. Joe run.  It’s not as flashy as some of the more recent motion comics that Marvel has produced but this nine minute video is a fun way to revisit one of the most copied comic stories of all time.  With the state of Joe being what it is anymore it’s doubtful that we’d ever get a real motion comic version so in the meantime this will have to suffice.

So sit back and enjoy a little lunchtime theater.  It might help take the sting out of another Monday…

Toy Fair 2014 Recap from The Breaux Show

Breaux Show Toy Fair 2014

Looking for more news from Toy Fair 2014?  Check out this in depth walk-through of Hasbro’s showroom courtesy of good friend of JBL The Breaux Show!

Check out this nearly two hour long recap from this Sunday’s live radio show in which intrepid reporter Mike Breaux walks his audience through the entire Hasbro presentation and tour of all of the product lines shown.  Along with over 250 images he provides insights from the showroom including how the Kre-O Firebat will interact with the Terrordrome playset.

Since this Toy Fair 2014 video might be a bit long for a lunch break, here are some time marks to jump to if you just want to watch certain subjects:

  • 9:30 – My Little Pony
  • 16:45 – Star Wars
  • 35:30 – Marvel (including Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain America, Avengers Infinite, etc)
  • 57:25 – Kre-O (G.I. Joe, Dungeons & Dragons, Transformers)
  • 1:10:00 – Transformers

I’d like to extend a big thanks to Mike for his help with JBL’s Toy Fair 2014 Coverage.

Marvel Universe Nick Fury at HasbroToyShop.com for $14.99

This is almost entirely un-related to G.I. Joe in every way but it’s too good of a deal not to share.  HasbroToyShop.com recently has been dumping a lot of the Marvel Comics Online exclusive Universe figures lately at $14.99 a piece– which is a far cry from what you’d end up paying for them on the secondary market.  Today, they dropped one of my all-time favorite characters at the bargain price!

Nick Fury

That’s right– the ORIGINAL Nick Fury in 1:18 scale form is available for a FRACTION of what I ended up paying for him about 2 years ago.  Originally the only way to get Colonel Fury was to subscribe to Marvel Comics Online, pay the $66, fill out a form and mail it in.  Trust me, this is MUCH simpler!

Now, I’ll throw out the disclaimer– he’s not as detailed as some of the recent 30th Anniversary G.I. Joe offerings but this is Nick Fury we’re talking about here. Cigar-chomping Hydra-smashing Director of SHIELD Nick Fury!  He gets a pass on things like that!  Plus he comes with the insanely cool rifle that he wielded during the end of the Civil War crossover and a jet pack.

C’mon– you know you want to snag him!  Quit gold-brickin’ and get on it!

Marvel Universe Nick Fury @ HasbroToyShop.com

If you need more incentive, here are a few promo images of the figure!

Larry Hama sketch to benefit Wounded Warrior Project on Ebay

Wounded Warrior ProjectLarry Hama is known as the “godfather of modern G.I. Joe”.  A former soldier himself, this extremely talented writer conveyed a soldier’s perspective in his writing like few others could.  No matter what the situation, readers of G.I. Joe always knew that Hama’s characters thought, felt, and acted like REAL people who were serving their country out of a sense of duty and honor– no matter what the cost.  His writing inspired countless fans around the globe and has been cited by many as the reason they enlisted in the US Armed Forces.  Mr. Hama didn’t glorify a soldier’s life– he presented it warts and all.

Now, Mr. Hama is doing something to “give back” to those who served but that bore the brunt of combat more than others.  He’s auctioning off an original “Snake Eyes Homecoming” sketch— an homage to the flashbacks in Issue #36 of the original Marvel run– on Ebay with all proceeds from the sale to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.   Not only is this a change to own a one-of-a-kind piece of original Larry Hama artwork but more importantly it’s a chance to give something back to those who sacrificed their own well-being to protect ours.

Seriously guys, this is one of those moments where I’ll encourage everyone to “dig deep and give what they can.”  If you can’t afford the sketch, make a donation to Wounded Warrior Project and help those who protect our freedoms and our liberties on a daily basis.

 Ebay Listing: Snake-Eyes Homcoming sketch by Larry Hama (original pencil drawing)

The auction ends on November 18, 2012 just after 5:00pm CST. 

Snake Eyes Homecoming Sketch by Larry Hama

Snake Eyes Homecoming Sketch by Larry Hama

CardedHeroes.com: Kwinn figure reviewed!

Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it– I’m jealous!  Jay over at CardedHeroes.com has had the good fortune to review one of the most-anticipated figures in recent Joe memory: the Inuit Mercenary Kwinn!

kwinnpose4

This figure has been in “development hell” for some time now.  Originally slated to come out in the 30th Anniversary line, Kwinn’s fate is that of other figures such as the infamous Data-Viper– pushed back due to the movie line.   However, with the movie now being pushed back to March, Kwinn’s fate is even more uncertain.  Hasbro has stated that this figure will come out eventually and rumors have swirled of a NYCC exclusive but nothing official has ever been announced.

Regardless– thanks to a loan from Gary of “What’s on Joe Mind“, Jay was able to get his mitts on Kwinn and produce a review that makes me wish the figure were in my grabby little hands now.

Check out Jay’s review of Kwinn over at CardedHeroes.com!